CMA Launches NXT Fund to Support Student Marketing Clubs Across Canada

Student clubs can apply for fall funding starting September 8, for up to $2,500 in support for campus initiatives

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Post-secondary institutions and student-led marketing and business clubs across Canada can access up to $2,500 to fund student projects, thanks to the Canadian Marketing Association’s (CMA) new NXT Fund. The CMA announced today that applications will open on September 8, giving Canadian students, student organizations, and post-secondary schools the resources to support on-campus initiatives.

CMA NXT is a free hub offering career tools, professional resources, and networking opportunities for young marketers. As part of the NXT program, the NXT Fund provides student groups with the financial support they need to pursue real-world marketing experiences outside the classroom. Funding can be used for case competitions, conferences, event organization, or innovative on-campus initiatives designed to promote the marketing profession and attract aspiring professionals.

"We know that the most valuable student learning experiences involve opportunities to connect as a community, through student-led initiatives," said Barry Alexander, chief marketing and diversity officer at the CMA. "The NXT Fund gives ambitious students the financial support they need to turn their vision into an experience that positively impacts their program and kickstarts their marketing career."

RBC is the founding lead sponsor of the CMA NXT program and is committed to mentoring Canada's next generation of business professionals. This partnership highlights the importance of combining practical experience with classroom theory to set students up for success in their careers. By connecting students with industry professionals and supporting initiatives that build future marketing leaders, RBC and the CMA are helping students invest in their professional growth.

Any post-secondary student, club, association, organized event, or Canadian institution with a business or marketing focus can apply for NXT funding. Students in other fields that demonstrate the value of marketing such as communications, business administration, entrepreneurship are also encouraged to apply.

The NXT Fund supports a wide range of on-campus and student-led activities, including:

• Organizing case competitions and business challenges
• Hosting guest speakers and industry panels
• Funding travel to conferences and networking events
• Developing marketing skills workshops and training sessions
• Creating campus marketing initiatives with real-world impact
• Building leadership development programs

Applications open September 8 for the 2025/26 academic calendar with first funding announcements as early as mid-October. Organizations can apply for up to $2,500 per submission, and multiple submissions per post-secondary school or campus are permitted.

Students or school representatives can visit https://cmanxt.ca/pages/nxt-fund to apply and learn more about eligibility requirements.

About the Canadian Marketing Association

The CMA is the voice of marketing in Canada and our purpose is to champion marketing's powerful impact. We are the catalyst to help Canada's marketers thrive today, while building the marketing mindset and environment of tomorrow.

We provide opportunities for our members from coast to coast to develop professionally, to contribute to marketing thought leadership, to build strong networks, and to strengthen the regulatory climate for business success. Our Chartered Marketer (CM) designation signifies that recipients are highly qualified and up to date with best practices, as reflected in the Canadian Marketing Code of Ethics and Standards. We represent virtually all of Canada's major business sectors, and all marketing disciplines, channels and technologies. Our Consumer Centre helps Canadians better understand their rights and obligations. For more information, visit thecma.ca.